memorial day crafts (1)

Creative & Patriotic Memorial Day Crafts (DIY Ideas for Kids & Families)

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Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of sacrifice, freedom, and unity. Crafting as a family is a heartfelt way to reflect, honor, and engage kids in meaningful traditions.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning activity or a fun way to decorate for your backyard BBQ, these 11 DIY crafts will help your family express patriotism, creativity, and care.

Creative & Patriotic Memorial Day Crafts (DIY Ideas for Kids & Families)

1. Patriotic Paper Plate Wreath

This colorful wreath is the perfect front-door welcome for Memorial Day. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a great fine motor activity for little hands.

What You Need:

  • Paper plate (cut the center out)

  • Red, white, and blue tissue paper or construction paper

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

  • Ribbon (for hanging)

 

How to Make:

  1. Cut out the center of the paper plate to make a ring.

  2. Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces.

  3. Glue the pieces onto the ring in a red-white-blue pattern.

  4. Once dry, attach a ribbon at the top to hang.

2. Popsicle Stick American Flag

Turn simple popsicle sticks into a mini American flag! This craft is a great way to talk about flag symbolism while getting crafty.

What You Need:

  • 7-9 popsicle sticks

  • Red, white, and blue acrylic paint

  • Small white star stickers or paint pen

  • Glue gun or craft glue

  • Ribbon or twine (for hanging)

How to Make:

  1. Paint 4 sticks red and 3 white.

  2. Line them up and glue side by side.

  3. Paint a small blue square in the upper left corner.

  4. Add white stars or dots.

  5. Use glue to add 2 horizontal sticks on the back for support.

  6. Tie twine at the top to hang.

3. Handprint Flag Keepsake

Capture a moment in time with this handprint craft. It doubles as a keepsake and a creative way to honor the stars and stripes.

What You Need:

  • White canvas or cardstock

  • Washable red and blue paint

  • Paintbrush

  • Paper towels

How to Make:

  1. Paint your child’s palm blue and fingers red/white alternately.

  2. Press their hand onto the paper to make the top left corner of the flag.

  3. Paint stripes below using a brush.

  4. Let dry and write the year for memory.

4. Mason Jar Patriotic Lanterns

These glowing jars are perfect for a nighttime tribute or to light up your Memorial Day BBQ table. Kids will love layering the colors.

What You Need:

  • Mason jars

  • Red, white, and blue tissue paper

  • Mod Podge or white glue (diluted)

  • Brush

  • LED candle or tea light

How to Make:

  1. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.

  2. Apply Mod Podge and stick tissue all over the jar.

  3. Cover fully and seal with another Mod Podge layer.

  4. Let it dry completely.

  5. Place an LED light inside and enjoy.

5. Patriotic Windsock

Let your colors fly! This windsock is festive and great for hanging on porches, trees, or fences.

What You Need:

  • Toilet paper roll

  • Red, white, and blue streamers or ribbon

  • Blue paint

  • Star stickers

  • Hole punch + string

How to Make:

  1. Paint the roll blue and let it dry.

  2. Stick white stars around the roll.

  3. Tape streamers to the inside bottom edge.

  4. Punch holes at the top and tie a string.

  5. Hang it where it can flutter in the wind!

6. Star-Spangled Slime

It’s glittery, squishy, and patriotic! This craft is not just fun—it’s a sensory experience that kids will go back to all day.

What You Need:

  • Clear glue

  • Liquid starch or slime activator

  • Red and blue glitter

  • Star confetti

How to Make:

  1. Mix glue and activator in a bowl.

  2. Add glitter and confetti.

  3. Knead until stretchy and smooth.

  4. Store in a container and let kids enjoy!

7. DIY Memorial Day Poppies

Red poppies are a timeless symbol of remembrance. This craft is a gentle way to teach children the meaning of the day.

What You Need:

  • Red and black tissue paper

  • Green pipe cleaners

  • Scissors

How to Make:

  1. Cut red paper into flower petal shapes.

  2. Stack 2-3 petals and add a black circle center.

  3. Poke the pipe cleaner through the center.

  4. Twist it to secure and fluff the petals.

8. Patriotic Rock Painting

Painted rocks are perfect for decorating gardens or gifting to veterans. They’re small but powerful tokens of appreciation.

What You Need:

  • Smooth stones or rocks

  • Acrylic paint (red, white, blue)

  • Small paintbrushes

  • Optional: Sealant spray

How to Make:

  1. Wash and dry rocks.

  2. Paint with patriotic symbols or quotes.

  3. Let dry, then optionally seal for outdoor use.

  4. Display in your yard or community garden.

9. Clothespin Flag Wreath

This creative wreath adds a rustic and patriotic vibe to your door. It’s an impressive decoration that’s surprisingly easy to make!

What You Need:

  • Wooden clothespins (30+)

  • Red, white, blue paint

  • Cardboard circle or wire frame

  • Star stickers or white paint

How to Make:

  1. Paint clothespins red, white, and blue (10 each).

  2. Arrange them on the frame in flag order.

  3. Add white stars to the blue ones.

  4. Hang on your door to welcome guests!

10. Memorial Day Memory Jar

This craft encourages quiet reflection and gratitude. It’s a meaningful centerpiece and great conversation starter.

What You Need:

  • Mason jar

  • Small American flags, ribbon, stickers

  • White paper strips + pens

How to Make:

  1. Decorate the jar with flags, ribbon, or paint.

  2. Cut paper into strips and write messages to fallen heroes.

  4. Fold and place inside the jar.

  5. Read them together as a family on Memorial Day.

11. Firework Salt Painting

This colorful craft mimics the sparkle of fireworks and teaches basic art concepts like texture and absorption.

What You Need:

  • Black construction paper

  • White glue

  • Table salt

  • Liquid watercolor or food coloring + dropper

How to Make:

  1. Draw fireworks with glue on paper.

  2. Sprinkle salt over glue; shake off excess.

  3. Use a dropper to add colored water to salt lines.

  4. Watch it spread like fireworks!

  5. Let dry flat and frame or hang.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day is a powerful time to pause, create, and connect. With these crafts, your family can express creativity while honoring the real meaning of the day.

Whether you’re painting rocks, crafting poppies, or lighting up lanterns, each project brings patriotic spirit and heartfelt tribute to life.

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